Essential Vaccination Guidance for Your Baby's Health

Preventive vaccination

Hello Dr.
Hsiao: My baby is currently 1 year and 8 months old.
On April 30, he received the second dose of the Japanese encephalitis vaccine, and he still needs to receive the second dose of the hepatitis A vaccine.
I would like to ask: Is there only one brand of hepatitis A vaccine? Since the first dose was administered at the hospital, should the second dose at the clinic be the same vaccine? Is it okay to administer it around May 1? Additionally, he completed the hexavalent vaccine at 18 months and has received two doses of the oral polio vaccine.
Does he need to receive another dose of the polio vaccine? Thank you for your response, Dr.
Hsiao.

Xuan Mami, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2009/04/06

Dr. Xiao Kaiwen reply Pediatrics

In Taiwan, there is only one brand of the hepatitis A vaccine, so the second dose of the hepatitis A vaccine administered at clinics should be the same vaccine.
According to the regulations set by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices of the Ministry of Health and Welfare, the Japanese encephalitis vaccine must be administered at least one month apart from the pentavalent or hexavalent vaccines, but it can be given simultaneously (in different injection sites) or at any interval with other vaccines (although in clinical practice, we often recommend an interval of at least one week).
Based on the recommendations from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, for those receiving two or more doses of the pentavalent or hexavalent vaccines, at least two additional doses of oral polio vaccine should be administered, and a third dose of oral polio vaccine should be given according to the routine vaccination schedule upon entering elementary school.
As of April 15, 2009, I apologize for the oversight; there are actually two brands of the hepatitis A vaccine in Taiwan (GlaxoSmithKline and Merck), so please consult a physician before administration.

Reply Date: 2009/04/06

More Info

When it comes to vaccination for your baby, especially regarding the hepatitis A vaccine and the polio vaccine, there are several important considerations to keep in mind.
Firstly, regarding the hepatitis A vaccine, there are indeed different brands available, but they all contain the same inactivated virus that helps to build immunity against hepatitis A. It is generally acceptable to receive the second dose of the hepatitis A vaccine at a different location than the first, as long as the vaccine is approved and recommended by health authorities. The timing of the vaccination is also crucial; administering the second dose of the hepatitis A vaccine on May 1st, following the first dose on April 30th, is appropriate. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that the second dose of the hepatitis A vaccine be given at least six months after the first dose, so you are well within the recommended timeframe.

As for the polio vaccine, it is important to follow the vaccination schedule recommended by your pediatrician or local health authority. The inactivated polio vaccine (IPV) is typically administered in a series, and if your child has already received two doses of the oral polio vaccine (OPV), they should still receive the IPV as part of the combination vaccines, such as the six-in-one vaccine. The six-in-one vaccine usually includes protection against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), and hepatitis B.
In terms of the timing for the administration of the six-in-one vaccine, it is usually given at 2, 4, and 6 months of age, with a booster dose at 15-18 months. Since your child is now 1 year and 8 months old, they should be due for their booster doses. It is essential to keep up with the vaccination schedule to ensure your child is fully protected against these diseases.

Additionally, it is important to maintain a record of all vaccinations your child receives. This record will be useful for future healthcare visits and may be required for school enrollment or travel. If you have any concerns about the vaccines, such as side effects or the timing of doses, it is always best to consult with your pediatrician. They can provide personalized advice based on your child's health history and current vaccination status.

Lastly, it is crucial to ensure that your child is in good health at the time of vaccination. If your child is experiencing any illness, it may be advisable to postpone the vaccination until they have fully recovered. Always communicate openly with your healthcare provider about any concerns you may have regarding your child's health and vaccinations.

In summary, you can proceed with the second dose of the hepatitis A vaccine as planned, and ensure that your child receives the necessary polio vaccinations according to the recommended schedule. Keeping up with vaccinations is vital for your child's health and well-being, protecting them from potentially serious diseases.

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